Christian singers continue success on American Idol

(American Idol)The top 10 finalists on American Idol perform during the shows finale. Eight of performers are Christians. Angie Miller (second row, center)finished third. She is a former worship leader and pastor's daughter who just released her first single. She has been particularly vocal about her faith during the season.

The 12th season of American Idol, the popular U.S. show which concluded last week, may be remembered by the media as the rockiest ever due to its descent in the television ratings and controversial behavior by its female judges.

However, Christian followers of the show can relish the continued success of faith-based singers, who have made a mark on the music industry over the years.

The winner, soul singer Candice Glover, got her start in church.

Eight of the top ten finalists this year were professed believers in Jesus, according to Charisma magazine.

The most noteworthy is third-place finisher Angie Miller, who is a finalist who has been outspoken about her faith.

She often tweets about it.

"Church isn't the only time to worship and hear from/spend time with God," she tweeted during the season. "That should happen on an everyday basis."

Miller is a former worship leader at her church in Salem, Massachusetts and a pastor's daughter.

The Christian music website Breathecaste noted in February that her Twitter biography reads, "Through music I am to show that loving God and being a good influence to others is my goal."

Even then, Breathecast listed her as one of the top Christian performers in the history of American Idol.

Miller's new single can be found on the Breathecaste website.

Several performers who confessed faith in Jesus have gone on to successful careers, and some perform Christian music.

Breathecaste mentioned a few besides Miller.

Ruben Stoddard won the second American Idol contest in 2003. His album "I Need an Angel" entered the Gospel Charts at number one and gained the top spot on the 2005 Billboard year-end Gospel Chart.

Mandisa appeared on American Idol in 2006. She has been nominated for Grammy and Dove Awards.

Juan Castro (2008) and Colton Dixon (2012) have released Christian albums this year.

Some American Idol winners who have made no secret of their faith in Christ have gone on to successful secular careers.

The most successful has been Carrie Underwood, the Grammy-award winning country music star. She won season four.

Season six winner Jordin Sparks, an Evangelical, has garnered numerous awards and branched out into acting on Broadway and television.

She was voted one of the top 100 artists of the first decade of the new century by Billboard magazine.

Former worship leader Kris Allen won season 10 of American Idol. He has had some success, with songs appearing on the Billboard Charts.

The top 11 finalists on this year's American Idol will be touring the United States this summer.

In addition to Miller, other notable Christians include Devin Velez, an 18-year old from Chicago who has several worship songs on YouTube, and Curtis Finch, a Gospel singer and worship leader.

Copyright © 2013 Ecumenical News